Bastyr Student Village has been certified LEED for Homes Platinum and was also awarded the 2010 LEED for Homes Project of the Year in the “Outstanding Multifamily” category by the USGBC.

Seattle-based CollinsWoerman has designed structures for Bastyr’s Center for Natural Health (LEED certified) in the past, before undertaking the new student village project. With a unique layout and design, the eleven buildings are not a traditional student housing project, and the design gives the collective quarters a feel that’s more in tune with a co-op, rather than student dorms. Each cottage has 12 private rooms and bathrooms, along with large common areas including living, kitchen and dining spaces. A quiet study room, bike storage and laundry facilities provide even more amenities.

The cottages are arranged around a courtyard and are situated next to shared gardens that can be used to grow herbs (medicinal or for cooking). Bioswales skirt the project to help collect and process stormwater, and a conscious effort was made to maintain as many of the existing trees as possible. Disturbance of the surrounding area during construction was minimized in order to maintain the pristine campus in Kenmore, WA, just outside of Seattle.

This is a very nice project. Another great example of how simplicity and elegance can be a powerful design tool and create great architecture. Furthermore the focus on sustainability and the strategies employed are really excellent. Great building!
This is a perfect project to submit to The Holcim Awards for Sustainable Construction:http://on.fb.me/holcim-awards